"Having the chance to play Violet on 'Melrose Place' has been a thrill," Ashlee told Access in a statement on Thursday. "Although I always knew her story would come to a final, insanely unpredictable end, playing a creepy, unstable character was something I always wanted to do, so I jumped at the chance. Thanks to The CW and the entire cast and crew of 'Melrose Place' for allowing me this opportunity!"

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, who added that the show would be transitioning to a "lighter, more fun" style, first reported the news.

"Her [return] is going to be a big moment on 'Melrose,'" Slavkin said. "She's in every episode moving forward. She's a major focus [of the show]. She has a hidden agenda that will become not so hidden as the episodes move along. She's not just the boss of Ella [Katie Cassidy]."

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Heather will be back beginning on the November 17 episode, where – as new pictures from the set revealed today showcase – she may face off with another scheming blonde, PR vixen Ella Sims.

"They're both business women," Katie previously told Access. "I think there could be some really fun material happening there."